RADIO
Parker Livingstone Cleared to Play Friday
Oklahoma sophomore wide receiver Parker Livingstone (concussion) has been cleared for Friday night's game against UTEP. Livingstone was previously listed as a game-time decision after missing some practice, but will be suiting up for his Oklahoma debut after clearing concussion protocol. Livingstone transferred from rival Texas, where he caught 29 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns as a redshirt freshman a season ago. He is expected to play a significant role as one of quarterback John Mateer's top weapons.
Source: Pete Thamel
Source: Pete Thamel
Tez Johnson Has Late-Round Appeal in a Banged-Up Receiver Room
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson has worked his way back into the late-round conversation with Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee) still sidelined in the team's latest update. Neither has been ruled out for Week 1, but both have missed multiple weeks, which leaves extra snaps up for grabs if one isn't ready. Johnson has already shown he can take advantage of that kind of opening. The former seventh-round pick started eight games as a rookie and caught 28 passes for 322 yards and five touchdowns, then opened this summer as one of Tampa Bay's early camp standouts. A groin strain interrupted his August, but he returned for the preseason finale and caught one pass for nine yards. Chris Godwin Jr. remains ahead of him on the depth chart, and rookie Ted Hurst III has played his way into the early-season mix, so Johnson is far from guaranteed a major role. Still, with Egbuka and McMillan not yet back, he has enough contingency value to justify a final-round shot in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Washington Has a Clearer Path to a Starting Role
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has come out of the summer with a much cleaner path to regular playing time. Tyreek Hill was released and Jaylen Waddle was traded during the offseason, and Washington now sits with Caleb Douglas and Jalen Tolbert among the three first-team receivers on Miami's current depth chart. He did enough during camp to hold onto that spot, too. Washington was regularly involved with Malik Willis, including a pair of deep catches during an Aug. 3 practice and another touchdown connection late in camp. There was already some useful versatility in his game last season, when he caught 46 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns while adding 110 yards and another score on 17 carries. Douglas had an excellent summer and could eventually command a large share of the passing game, so Washington isn't suddenly locked in as Miami's top target. The opportunity is still much better than it was a year ago. With a starting job within reach, Washington has become a more interesting late-round option in deeper redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Charlie Condon Has Seen his Bat Cool Off Over the Past Month
Colorado Rockies first base/outfield prospect Charlie Condon has gone nearly a month without hitting a home run at Triple-A Albuquerque. Condon, a 23-year-old out of Georgia, hit his last home run on August 6, but still does have 22 homers and 79 RBI this season for Albuquerque, with a .269 batting average and 95 runs scored. It has been a bit of a struggle at the plate recently for Condon, who hit just .221 in August with two homers and 14 RBI after a strong start to the season. The right-handed hitter is the No. 3 prospect in the Colorado system with a 55-grade hit tool and 55-grade power. Condon was passed over for a September call-up, maybe in part due to his recent struggles, but he still is a call-up candidate this year and offers high fantasy upside because of his strong tools as a hitter in a good hitting environment.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Max Fried to be Piggybacked on Friday in San Diego
The New York Yankees' current plan is to have right-hander Will Warren piggyback left-hander Max Fried in Friday's series opener in San Diego against the Padres, manager Aaron Boone told Greg Joyce of the New York Post. Warren could slide back into the team's starting rotation after that, but the Yankees are still trying to sort everything out with a few days off upcoming. Fried is still making the start, but this means that he could be in for more of an abbreviated start at Petco Park, making it more difficult for the 32-year-old southpaw to earn a quality start for his fantasy managers. The three-time All-Star has been strong in his 16 starts (90 innings) in 2026 with the Yanks, going 4-4 with a 2.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts in his second year in the Bronx. Fried has been on the injured list twice with left-elbow issues, though, and he went only 3 2/3 innings in his first start off the IL on Aug. 29 against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. The good news is that Fried has not allowed more than an earned run in any of his last four outings, but fantasy managers should not be banking on him going five or six innings on Friday night in SD against his former team.
Source: New York Post - Greg Joyce
Source: New York Post - Greg Joyce
Cam Cannarella Showing Some Power Late in the Season
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella has hit two homers in his last two games with Triple-A Jacksonville after failing to hit a home run in the month of August. In 34 games with Jacksonville, Cannarella has three homers and eight RBI with 25 runs scored and 11 stolen bases while hitting .289. Cannarella's speed is his greatest asset, but he has shown off the power a bit late in the year. The left-handed hitting outfielder is the Marlins' No. 6 prospect and has 60-grade speed with a 55-grade hit tool and just 45-grade power. The Marlins have a very deep outfield at the major league level, and Cannarella looks like he might take a year or two to make his debut in Miami. But when he does, he will offer plus stolen-base potential and a solid batting average.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Konnor Griffin Officially Activated on Friday
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) has officially been activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday, according to Danny Demilio of PGH Baseball Now. Griffin should be making his return to the 6 in the starting lineup for the Bucs for their series opener on Friday night at PNC Park against the Los Angeles Angels and right-hander Ryan Johnson. Fantasy managers who need middle-infield help in all formats should scoop Griffin up immediately, as he is only rostered in 69% of Yahoo leagues at the moment. The 20-year-old former top prospect got off to a bit of a slow start in his first major-league season, but he was beginning to figure things out offensively before tearing the sagittal band on his left ring finger two months ago. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 will return to a .276/.332/.404 slash line with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 35 runs scored. Griffin's power is still developing, but he is one of the top young power/speed assets at a premium position in MLB.
Source: PGH Baseball Now - Danny Demilio
Source: PGH Baseball Now - Danny Demilio
Andrew Fischer Having Monster Season In Brewers' Farm System
Milwaukee Brewers third base prospect Andrew Fischer has two homers in his last three games and now has 44 combined homers and 106 RBI between High-A Wisconsin and Double-A Biloxi with a combined .270 batting average and 98 runs scored. In 63 games with Biloxi, Fischer is hitting .245 with 24 homers and 56 RBI to go with 47 runs scored. At just 22 years old, Fischer is having a great minor-league season and is the No. 5 prospect in the Milwaukee organization. He boasts 65-grade power and a 40-grade hit tool. So for fantasy purposes he looks like a strong future contributor in homers, RBI, and potentially runs, but could be a drag for batting average. Fischer is a very strong play in dynasty leagues formats and looks to be a year or two away from joining the Brewers in the major leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Anthony Eyanson has Been Lights-Out Since Trade to O's
Since he came over to the Baltimore Orioles organization from the Boston Red Sox in the Adley Rutschman deal, pitching prospect Anthony Eyanson has been lights-out pitching for the Orioles' Double-A affiliate, the Chesapeake Baysox. In five starts with Chesapeake, Eyanson has a 2-1 record with a 2.00 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 40 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched. The right-hander was equally dominant with the Red Sox this season, pitching to a 4-0 record at Double-A Portland with a 1.69 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. Eyanson is now the No. 2 prospect on the Orioles and features a 60-grade fastball with a 65-grade slider and 55-grade curveball. The 21-year-old has shown great strikeout upside in the minor leagues, with his slider being a big potential wipeout pitch. He still looks maybe a year away, however, from joining the Orioles and potentially featuring in their starting rotation.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Aaron Donald Traveling With Rams to Australia
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that he expects every player on the team to make the trip to Melbourne, Australia, for the Week 1 tilt next Thursday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, which includes star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Although Donald, who came out of retirement to return to the Rams for the 2026 season, is with the Rams heading overseas, he is still TBD on playing in the regular-season opener. It is more realistic for the 35-year-old to make his debut in Week 2 or 3 as he continues to work back into football shape. If Donald does appear in next Thursday's game in Australia against the 49ers, it will likely be on a very limited number of pass-rushing snaps. The 10-time Pro Bowler and three-time Defensive Player of the Year has 111 sacks in 10 seasons with the Rams, but in more of a part-time pass-rushing role in his return in 2026, Donald is not going to have the same type of fantasy upside in IDP leagues that he had back in his prime.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Gage Wood Features Elite Strikeout Upside
Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect Gage Wood pitched four strong innings in his start on Thursday night with two earned runs, four hits, and two walks to go with 10 strikeouts. The strikeout upside is a picture of what makes Wood such a special pitching prospect. The results haven't been overwhelming for Wood at Double-A Reading, but he has featured that strikeout potential. In 16 starts at Reading, the right-hander has pitched 63 2/3 innings and struck out 94 batters, which is at an elite level. But he has an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.29, which are good but not great at Double-A. Wood features a 70-grade fastball with a 55-grade curveball and a 50-grade slider. Overall, Wood looks like a promising future fantasy starter but now looks more like a dynasty league play than a redraft play, as he will probably remain in the minors for the rest of this season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Makai Lemon Shadowing Eagles' Top Wideout
The Philadelphia Eagles told rookie first-round wide receiver Makai Lemon to mirror the preparation of WR1 DeVonta Smith, who has been noted for his strong preparation in advance of games, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. "I basically told him, 'Whatever Smitty does, you do.' And he's taken to that a little bit. I know that Smitty's done a good job of going out of his way to help him with some of that stuff," wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead said. The 22-year-old 20th overall pick from USC had a quiet summer in training camp and missed valuable development time due to a nagging hamstring injury. He caught three of his five targets for five yards in the preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals last week. With Dontayvion Wicks rising to become the clear WR2 for Philly to start the 2026 campaign, Lemon is penciled in as the team's No. 3 wideout to begin his pro career. Lemon caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games in his final collegiate season with the Trojans and could easily leapfrog Wicks at some point this year if he reaches his true potential. Despite his quiet summer, Lemon deserves attention as a late-round WR pick in upcoming drafts for his upside.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Franklin Arias Still Worth a Stash But Could Debut Next Season
In 30 games with Triple-A Worcester, Boston Red Sox top shortstop prospect Franklin Arias has hit well with four homers, 25 RBI, and a .302 batting average. Arias, however, was not called up as September rosters expand, as the Red Sox feature depth at shortstop with Trevor Story returning from injury and playing ahead of Andruw Monasterio. Arias nonetheless has been impressive in the minors this season, playing at Double-A Portland and Worcester and combining to hit .313 with 23 homers and 77 RBI between both levels. Arias, signed out of Venezuela, is just 20 years old and has a very bright fantasy future. He is graded out with a 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade power. A right-handed hitter, Arias still could be called upon this season, but at age 20 it is more likely he begins next season with the big-league club, and he will be a nice fantasy option at shortstop.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Eugenio Suarez Back From Personal Matter on Friday
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez is serving as the designated hitter and is batting fifth for Friday's contest against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and left-hander Shane Drohan at Great American Ball Park, per MLB.com. Suarez missed the final two games of the series against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday and Wednesday to take his US naturalization test, but he is back now and ready for the weekend series in Cincy. The Reds placed the 35-year-old Venezuelan on outright waivers recently, but he was not picked up and will finish out the 2026 season with the Reds before becoming a free agent this winter. Suarez still has some pop, but he is striking out 35% of the time in his 13th MLB season. The two-time All-Star is also hitting just .206 (77-for-373) with a .298 on-base percentage, 20 home runs, 59 RBI, and 36 runs scored across 107 games and 426 plate appearances this year. It has been a steep decline for Suarez, who tied a career high with 49 round-trippers in 2025 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
David Montgomery a Safe RB2 with Predictable Goal-Line Usage
In his three years with the Detroit Lions, running back David Montgomery finished no lower than the RB27, twice cracking the top 20 despite sharing a backfield with one of the league's most dynamic players in three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs. Following an offseason trade to the Houston Texans, the eighth-year veteran finds himself once more atop the depth chart. While recent buzz has suggested that 2025 fourth-round pick Woody Marks could still see a prominent role after leading the team with 703 rushing yards as a rookie, Montgomery is expected to see the bulk of the early-down work and the most valuable touches around the goal line. The Texans ranked 29th in the NFL in 2025 by converting fewer than 46% of their red zone trips into touchdowns, while Detroit was a top-eight team in that category, with Montgomery scoring five of his eight touchdowns from within the five-yard line. No longer splitting goal-line work with Gibbs, who has averaged 19 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Montgomery is a safe bet to reach double-digit scores and should provide a predictable weekly floor as RotoBaller's RB20.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
